Japan - finally a new country for me to add to my list and we brought beautiful weather with us. The Fog Horn is getting very old.
Today was quite the event for the people of Hakodate, Japan. We were greeted with the fire hose boats and another with cute cartoons painted on the side. Being before 7 AM I was too slow with the photo taking. At 7 (actually 6:56 AM) Jamie began calling us to the theater for fingerprinting (electronic), photo taking and something to do with visas. I picture my fingerprints electronically circling the globe with Interpol close behind. No calls from the FBI - yet. That is one area I will never totally understand. We were then excused for 2 hours to eat breakfast. Now you understand all Jamie's announcement did was drag me out of bed. There were passengers there straight from the shower with shampoo still in hair and passengers in various stages of dress and room service breakfast. I imagine some were not happy but all you could do is laugh. Then to watch the Japanese work efficiency when 2 immigration station's equipment failed in the middle of this procedure. The Japanese were not laughing. Around 8:30 there was a welcoming ceremony in the atrium with all sorts of Japanese dignitaries on board. I tried to take take pics but wasn't easy. This was a HUGE day for this town as they are trying to attract cruise liners and we are either the 1st or one of the first. The captain presented a plaque that read something like "Regent Maiden Visit 2009" I ask the recipient for a photo but he kept turning the plaque away from the camera. I'll find out what I have later. After several speeches, many presentations of flowers and origami it was time to leave for my tour. I chose a museum (not much) the panoramic view of the entire city and harbor from a hill (spectacular) and a stop at a warehouse that housed shops. It was my understanding this warehouse was one of the few buildings that wasn't leveled during WWII. Most of the town was. I can't say I would recommend this tour but I find different cities interesting and that view from the hill - to die for. Ate in CR on return next to table of Japanese dignitaries, some of the women in kimonos. There was also a farewell ceremony which I also missed. Hoping Michael has photos of that.
Once again I've written a tome without much information, but am definitely happy we stopped here. The joy of the Japanese people in starting a cruise trade was something I won't forget and few people will ever get to see.